MTO Updates Road Closures

There are several roads closed in the Thunder Bay area today.  The Ministry of Transportation says full or partial washouts are being reported on Highway 11/17 near Hume Road, west of Vibert Road, east of Twin City Crossroad, and the Harbour Expressway Intersection near Highway 11/17 and Highway 61.  It could be several days before a section of Highway 11/17 East is open.  The section that is giving the Ministry of Transportation trouble is west of Vibert Road where water is rushing over the roadway at the SuperCor culvert.
For east/west traffic, Highway 102 is operating normally at this point.  Other road closures include: Portage Creek Road at the first bridge,  Laukaa Lane at Auto Road, and Silver Springs Road.  Arthur Street to Twin City Cross Roads is closed due to extensive damage to the roadway.  Thunder Bay Police are telling motorists and anyone who is travelling west out of the City they will have to take Highway 102 to Dawson Road as an alternative route.

Conmee Township Boil Water Advisory

A State of Emergency is in effect for Conmee Township. Mayor Kevin Holland says they're taking a wait and see approach. Holland is asking people within the township to stay home. The Mayor is also asking residents to boil their water since pollutants may have seeped into area wells.  Meanwhile, Oliver-Paipoonge has also declared a state of emergency.

O.P.G. Says Kam Dam Is Stable

Ontario Power Generation is reporting the Kam River Dam is in stable condition despite the recent heavy rainfall. Spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says they'll be managing water flows but not fully opening the dam. Gruetzner says if any more rain comes down they may have to re-evaluate the situation.

Thunder Bay Under State Of Emergency

The City of Thunder Bay is under state of emergency. City Spokesperson Darryl Matson says the Atlantic Avenue Water Sewage Treatment Plant is flooded. Workers are trying to pump out the water, just to try and get a look at the damage and assess the situation from there. All city residents are not to use any extra water. That means: flushing toilets, washing clothes, running baths, taking showers. Those activities would put extra and undue pressure on the city's water system.

City-Wide Flooding

There has been extensive flooding in the South Ward, this includes Northwood, the Intercity Area, parts of Westfort and James St. City Police are saying numerous basements in the Northwood Area have water in them, Northwood Mall is flooded with inches of water in the stores. The railway underpass on South James St is closed due to flooding. Most ditches in the Intercity area are overflowing and covering parts of the roads. There are numerous vehicles have stalled out on the roadways. Residents of Thunder Bay are urged to use caution.

School Closures Announced For Monday

The Lakehead Public School Board are announcing school closures this morning. Crestview, McKenzie, Five Mile, Gorham & Ware, Valley Central, Kakabeka Falls, Whitefish Valley and Thunder Bay Christian schools Are all closed. Norwesterview school will remain open but with no school bus transportation.

Hydro Reporting No Major Power Outages

Thunder Bay Hydro is reporting no major power outages at this time. Power was knocked out thanks to an overnight thunder storm which socked itself in over night. Power was out briefly at 12:45 a.m. in areas such as County Park, Castlegreen and the Dawson Road Area.

Flood Watch Remains In Effect

The Lakehead Region Conservation Area is still maintaining a "Flood Watch" for this region. Waterways eased yesterday slightly but the rain overnight is wreaking havoc on area tributaries.Waterways such as the Neebing, McIntyre and Current River, along with McVicor Creek are all higher than usual and are expected to increase throughout the day with the overnight rain. Chairman Bill Bartley of the L.R.C.A. says caution is the word of the day if you are around a water way. The Kaministiquia River is flowing at an especially high rate and the Falls at Kakabeka are flowing at a rate not seen in years.

Townships Declare States Of Emergency

The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge has declared a state of emergency. Most main roads have had multiple wash outs due the rain and flooding. They include; Hwy 11-17, Oliver Rd, Twin City Crossroads, Fraser Rd, Boulter Rd, Poleline Rd, Veley Lane, Maki Rd, Mud Lake Rd. Reeve Lucy Kluisterhuis has not yet had a chance to inspect the damage personally but says there were multiple reports of flooded basements, roads and culverts in the township. Highway 590 at 102 is closed this morning as Conmee Township has also declared a state of emergency. They are urging people to remain indoors because of the poor road conditions.

Flood Watch In Effect

A flood "watch" is now in effect for the entire area that the Lakehead Conservation Authority looks after. 35 to 60 millimetres of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours and the Kaministiquia River is rising. L.R.C.A. Chairman Bill Bartley is warning people to stay away from waterways, especially with up to 100 millimetres of rain in the forecast. Bartley says localised flooding is already happening in areas west of the city.

College Inks Deal Helping Reservists

Confederation College was the scene of a unique military ceremony today in which the College formally adopted new military leave policies. Confederation College President Jim Madder and Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, met for a brief ceremony in which commemorative certificates were signed and presented to the College. New policies now set out in detail the leave provisions for Reservists who are on staff and attending the college.

L.U. Partners With Parks Canada

Parks Canada and Lakehead University signed an agreement today that will partner the two in collaborating on research efforts aimed at better understanding Lake Superior’s coastal environment and its watershed. L.U. is hoping the partnership will attract international researchers and increase enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs, while Parks Canada is looking to identify research opportunities and the sharing of scientific knowledge to better understand Lake Superior and its effect on the communities along the shores.

Huge Drug Bust Worth $934,000

A 22 year old from Weagamow First Nation has been arrested following a massive drug bust here in the city. A hotel room raid was conducted and police found more than 1400 oxycodone pills worth an estimated street value of $841,000. Police also seized a large sum of cash, which needed to be examined. The total currency seized was $93,905. Police believe the pills were on their way to a remote First Nation community. They also seized 427 pills of unknown origin and have sent them away for examination. The woman will next appear in court on May 29th.

Teleperformance Workers Headed Back

Nearly 100 laid off workers at Teleperformance here in Thunder Bay are going back to work this Summer. Employees with the contact centre have been notified to return during the first week of August. C.E.O. of Teleperformance Canada, Charlotte Gummeson also announced that 100 to 150 new jobs will be available thanks to a new contract. The Teleperformance workers have been laid off for a couple of months.

IBC Upset With Private Members Bill

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is speaking out against an NDP private members bill on auto insurance. Vice President Ralph Palumbo says if the bill is passed it would mean Northern Ontario drivers would subsidize the insurance rates of GTA drivers. The bill comes back to the Ontario legislature for a second reading June 7th.

OPSEU Worried About MNR Cuts

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is sounding the alarm over the Province's plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.  President Smokey Thomas says the government has already cut back the MNR so much that any more cuts will jeopardize our ability to respond to emergency situations like forest fires.  Thomas says the Provincial Government has left fire fighters alone but they've continued to cut their support staff.

Premier Pays T.Bay A Visit

Thunder Bay's Bombardier Plant is getting some more work.
The Premier toured the facility this morning and announced the purchase of 60 new Go Train Passenger Cars. Work has already begun and the cars will be delivered to Southern Ontario in the Spring of 2015.

Roads Washed Out

Heavy rain is wreaking havoc with area rural roads. Thunder Bay Police are reporting Harstone Drive in Oliver Paipoonge is closed due to being washed out. It's washed out just west of Luckens Road. The Oliver Paipooge Board of Works is working on repairing the road.

Kolody Faces Extra Charges

Thunder Bay Police are adding extra charges to the 20 year old man who is already charged with criminal negligence causing death and possession of stolen property.  Police are painting a picture of a weekend crime spree that includes stealing a truck, gas, breaking into another vehicle, and ending in a fatal motor vehicle collision on Northern Avenue Sunday.  On top of his previous charges; Shane Kolody faces several additional charges including resisting arrest.  Kolody's bail hearing is set for Monday.

Premier Visits Bombardier Tomorrow

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will be visiting Thunder Bay Tomorrow. He is scheduled to tour the Bombardier plant at 9:00 in the morning. McGuinty will be accompanied by local M.P.P.'s Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro. The Premier is expected to make an announcement following his tour.

Whalen Building Damage

The City is still trying to determine the total cost to repair the Whalen Building after it was struck by lightning yesterday afternoon. The bolt blasted terra cotta from the roof and scattered debris onto St. Paul Street, damaging some vehicles. No one was Hurt. Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says they're still trying to determine the amount of damage sustained to the building. Smith says, to his knowledge, it's the first city run building to be struck by lightning.

Event Centre Presentation Delayed

Another delay for Thunder Bay's proposed new event centre. The Phase 2 feasibility study was to be presented to council next month but has now been pushed back until September. City Manager, Tim Commisso says "Given the importance of the study, we need to allow the consulting team the time required."

Drug Strategy Praise

High praise for the City of Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy. Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Donald MacPherson was in the City recently and says Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy has been influenced by Vancouver's. He adds the City's drug strategy is viewed as one of the most progressive in the Country.

CEDC Launches New Entrepreneur Plan

A new logo and a new direction. The Community Entrepreneur Development Centre unveiled both today. Development Officer Ron Humphreys says they too need to be able to adapt and change with the current economic climate. Humphreys says they're encouraging local entrepreneurs to "Imagine, Plan and Execute" as part of their new branding strategy.

MNR Wants Info From Kam River Anglers

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to hear from anglers on the Kam River. Spokesperson Eric Burgland says they're surveying people fishing on the river this summer and will be looking for anglers who've caught tagged fish or one of 50 walleyes with antennas attached. It's legal for you to keep tagged or fish with antennas but the MNR is asking you to throw them back.

Employment Insurance Cuts

The Federal Government's new rules for collecting employment insurance are not sitting well with everyone. Ontario Public Service Employment Union President Smokey Thomas says reducing the benefits of repeat E.I. applicants will punish seasonal workers. Thomas says fire fighters are a perfect example, they would love to work year round but they can't since they're only needed in the Spring and Summer.

Police Charge Woman In Brawl

A 54 year old woman is in hospital after a late night fight on the City's North End.  Police responded to a call about a woman who was assaulted and bleeding at a home on South Algoma Street.  Officers found the woman had been cut on the side of her neck.  A 31 year old woman is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Failing to Comply with an Undertaking.  Police says the two women knew each other and they appeared to be drinking.

Greg Rickford Makes Funding Announcement

Federal funding for the peforming arts in Sioux Lookout. Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced yesterday 6-thousand dollars in support for the Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series for the Performing Arts.

AbitibiBowater New Name Official

It's now official.  AbitibiBowater will officially be known as Resolute Forest Products beginning today.  The name change was approved at the company's annual general meeting today.  A mill employee at the Fort Frances mill was one of two to suggest the name in a company wide contest held last year.

OPP Long Weekend Stats

A busy weekend for Provincial Police across Northwestern Ontario during the Victoria Day long weekend. Police charged 249 drivers for speeding, 21 for seat belt infractions and seven with distracted driving. Four careless charges were laid and one ticket was handed out for impaired driving. The OPP laid roughly 8-thousand charges across the Province.

Whalen Building Hit By Lightning

Lightning hit the Whalen Building Wednesday afternoon after a brief storm.  Bricks came crushing down onto the street and caused the road to be closed during clean up. 

Reggie Bushie Inquest Adjourned

The pre-inquest into the death of 15 year old Reggie Bushie is over.  It was adjourned today after the Nishnawbe Aski Nation applied to have the case sent to Ontario's Chief Coroner.  A Regional Coroners Spokesperson says the joint inquest would examine the deaths of Reggie Bushie as well as six other teens who died while attending high school in Thunder Bay.

Police Release 67 Year Old's Name

City Police are naming the 67-year old man who died in a motor vehicle collision on Saturday night on Northern Avenue.  Martin John Amos died in the crash. The Special Investigations Unit is in charge of the case because city police were trying to pull over a reported stolen vehicle that eventually hit Martin's vehicle.

CP Rail Strike

150 CP Rail Workers are on strike here in Thunder Bay.  Union Spokesperson Randy Mior says there's been several stumbling blocks in contract negotiations including cuts to pensions.  The two sides are continuing to negotiate but Mior says they're prepared to stay out on the picket line for as long as it takes.  A picket line is set up on Syndicate Avenue.

OPP Find Missing Couple

OPP are happy to report they found a missing elderly couple. The Minnesota couple went boating on Lac Des Milles Lake and didn't return to their campsite at Pine Point Resort on Monday. The North West Region Emergency Response Team with the assistance of a Ministry of Natural Resources Helicopter Unit found the couple on the lake later that evening. They had experienced trouble with the boat motor.

Pets Pass Away In Fire

Several family pets passed away this morning in a fire at a two story home on East Donald Street.  Thunder Bay Fire Platoon Chief Les Newman says there's heavy smoke and fire damage to the main and second floors.  Investigators will be on the scene later today looking for the cause of the fire.

City & Workers New Agreement

The City and its workers have a new collective agreement.  600 unionized Municipal Workers approved an agreement that includes a modest wage increase in each year of the four-year agreement.  They've been without a contract since 2011.

Cats Ink 10 Players

The Thunder Bay Border Cats signed 10 players to their upcoming roster. Notables coming to the team are: Infielder Adam Landecker from USC, Outfielder James Bonds from Santa Clarita, CA, Chad Richie, a pitcher from Kentucky's Georgetown College and Second baseman Philip Lyons from Lousiana's Nicholls State University. The Cats have also signed outfielder Omar Cotto Lozada from USC. In addition, the Cats have added pitchers Blake Fonfara, Kacy Kemmer, Mitch McQueen, Jordan McCoy, and outfielder Justin Higley. Thunder Bay's home opener is Monday, June 4th, at Subway Field versus Alexandria at 7:05 p.m.

M.S. Society Nearly Out Of Money

The M.S. Society of Thunder Bay is almost out of money and they're not even at the half-way point of the year. They provided equipment funding for 86 people last year and already through April they have had requests from 85 people. Board Chair Linda Adamson says they are almost a victim of their own success. Adamson says they may have to seek corporate or grant support, meanwhile the annual M.S. Walk takes place this weekend.

Beardy Meets Prince Charles

The royal visit to Toronto today has Northwestern Ontario connections. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy spent a few moments with Prince Charles and presented him with a book called "Treaty No. 9." Beardy feels Prince Charles was very "Genuinely" receptive to his message of keeping existing treaty's in the minds of royalty.

Forest Fire Level Drops Across Region

The forest fire situation is now listed as low for Northwestern Ontario. Information Officer Debbie McLean says the rain on Sunday helped somewhat, but 17 new fires did start over the long weekend. McLean says the forest fire situation is stable enough that they've been able to deploy equipment and personnel to help with the massive fire in the Kirkland Lake area.

Mayor Hobbs Returns From Gifu, Japan

Economic Development, talks on power, education and the exchange of information. It was all part of the City's trip to Gifu, Japan. Mayor Keith Hobbs and his 10 person brigade are back from what he calls a very busy and eventful trip. Mayor Hobbs says he's truly excited about the potential rise in exchange students coming to Lakehead University. A delegation from Gifu, Japan is expected to come to Thunder Bay in July.

Man Attacked By Bear

O.P.P. are once again warning people of the dangers associated with attracting or approaching bears. This comes after a 65 year old man was attacked over the weekend on Dunbar Lake, North of Sioux Lookout. The man suffered a bite and scratches from a black bear, before his camping partner recognized the situation, shot and killed the bear.

6 Charges Laid Against 20 Yr. Old Woman

A 20 year old woman remains in police custody and faces a number of charges following an incident on Saturday. Police say a 29 year old woman was hit by the driver of a stolen mini-van on Langworthy Crescent. She suffered minor injuries. The 20 year old woman faces six charges including impaired driving causing bodily harm and failing to remain at an accident.

Anti-Homophobia Workshop Wednesday

Thunder Bay is hosting a workshop in honour of International Day Against Homophobia. Organizer Robin Cooper says they want to teach volunteer organizations how they can be more LGBTQ friendly. Cooper says in the future they would like to open up the workshop to businesses. The workshop is taking place Wednesday.

SIU Investigate Northern Avenue Collision

The Special Investigations Unit is examining the circumstances surrounding the death of a 67-year-old man on Sunday on Northern Avenue.  Late that night, a police officer was about to pull over a reported stolen vehicle, but the vehicle didn't stop after the officer activated his cruiser's lights. A short distance later, the vehicle crashed into a second vehicle.  Spokesperson Monica Hudon says they're looking into whether Police are at fault for the accident.  20 year old Shane Kolody is charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Possession of Stolen Property Over 5-thousand dollars.

MVC In Front Of Whalen

2 people are in hospital after a motor vehicle collision Monday night in Westfort.  2 vehicles collided at Gore and Crawford in front of the Whalen Hotel.  The Fire Department says a woman needed to be extracted from her vehicle.  Police are investigating.

Car Fire East Empire Avenue

Thunder Bay's Fire Department isn't sure what caused a car fire in the back lane of East Empire early this morning.  Officials say the fire doesn't look suspicious.  The blaze was reported just after 3 this morning and the car is completely destroyed.

Northern Avenue Collision Claims Life

A 67 year old Thunder Bay man is dead after a serious collision in the 100 block of Northern Avenue.  Police say a 20 year old driving a truck collided with the senior's car on Sunday night.  Shane Kolody is charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000.   The Special Investigations Unit is taking control of the investigation and will release the name of the deceased once the family is notified.

Kiptoo Wins 10-Mile Road Race

Gilbert Kiptoo is the winner of this year's Fire Fighters 10-Mile Road Race. He finished the race in 50 minutes and 14 seconds. Second place went to Phillip Kipchumba 52:02. John Balabuck was the first local runner to cross the finish line in sixth place overall with a time of 54 minutes and 36 seconds. Simpson Street, Fort William Road, and Water Street are all closed until 12 a.m. for the remaining racers and spectators.